Several officials from the Trump administration responded on Friday to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who pledged to oppose federal initiatives aimed at detaining illegal immigrants, coinciding with police in her city deploying flash bangs to disperse violent demonstrators at various arrest sites.
“This morning, we received reports of federal immigration enforcement actions in multiple locations in Los Angeles. As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place,” Bass stated in a message shared on social media.
“These tactics instill fear in our communities and undermine fundamental safety principles in our city. My office is closely collaborating with organizations advocating for immigrant rights. We will not tolerate this,” she further asserted.
Several officials from the administration responded to the mayor, including deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller.
“You have no authority in this matter whatsoever,” Miller retorted on social media. “Federal law is paramount, and it will be enforced,” he emphasized on X.
In an interview with Fox News’ “The Big Weekend Show,” border czar Tom Homan stated that authorities are “increasing efforts” and “mobilizing” to tackle the violence and destruction occurring near the locations of raids where protesters are gathering.
“American people, this is about upholding the law, and we will not apologize for doing so,” Homan remarked.
Other officials from the Trump administration also weighed in.
“They are illegal immigrants, not ‘immigrants.’ One just attempted to set Americans on fire in Boulder,” White House adviser Sebastian Gorka pointed out on X, referring to Colorado terror suspect Mohamed Soliman.
“If you are assisting and harboring them, you are a criminal as well,” Gorka added in response to the comments made by the LA mayor. “Are you prepared to be treated as a criminal? Because we are ready to treat you as one if you engage in criminal activity,” he cautioned.
Justice Department official Harmeet K. Dhillon expressed astonishment at the actions taken by B
“It is astonishing how many elected officials fail to understand the fundamental principles of federalism, the federal authority over immigration matters, or the First Amendment,” tweeted Dhillon.
The immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles sparked demonstrations at multiple arrest locations, resulting in at least one person being taken into custody for allegedly hindering federal law enforcement activities.
“Federal agents were executing a valid judicial warrant at a worksite in LA this morning when David Huerta intentionally obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle,” stated US Attorney Bill Essayli. “He was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will be arraigned in federal court on Monday.”
“Let me clarify: I do not care who you are — if you obstruct federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Huerta serves as the president of the California chapter of the prominent Service Employees International Union, as reported by the New York Post.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, criticized the city’s management of the escalating protests, which grew more intense hours after federal agents carried out the immigration raids.
“Assaulting ICE enforcement officers, slashing tires, vandalizing buildings. 800 protesters have surrounded and breached the initial layer of a federal law enforcement facility in LA,” McLaughlin posted on X. “@LAPD has not intervened. This violence against @ICEgov must cease.”
Richard Grenell, the special envoy for President Trump, held Democratic Mayor Bass responsible for the turmoil.
“Karen Bass incited all of this. She has attacked the rule of law. She has undermined democracy,” Grenell stated on X, posting images of demonstrators trying to obstruct federal law enforcement vehicles.
